EP3318363A1 - Laser processing machine, laser processing method, board material processing system, and board material processing method - Google Patents
Laser processing machine, laser processing method, board material processing system, and board material processing method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3318363A1 EP3318363A1 EP16821077.1A EP16821077A EP3318363A1 EP 3318363 A1 EP3318363 A1 EP 3318363A1 EP 16821077 A EP16821077 A EP 16821077A EP 3318363 A1 EP3318363 A1 EP 3318363A1
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- Prior art keywords
- workpiece
- laser
- machining
- rack
- palette
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000003672 processing method Methods 0.000 title 2
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 117
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
- B23K26/36—Removing material
- B23K26/38—Removing material by boring or cutting
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D43/00—Feeding, positioning or storing devices combined with, or arranged in, or specially adapted for use in connection with, apparatus for working or processing sheet metal, metal tubes or metal profiles; Associations therewith of cutting devices
- B21D43/02—Advancing work in relation to the stroke of the die or tool
- B21D43/04—Advancing work in relation to the stroke of the die or tool by means in mechanical engagement with the work
- B21D43/10—Advancing work in relation to the stroke of the die or tool by means in mechanical engagement with the work by grippers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K26/00—Working by laser beam, e.g. welding, cutting or boring
- B23K26/08—Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece
- B23K26/10—Devices involving relative movement between laser beam and workpiece using a fixed support, i.e. involving moving the laser beam
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23K—SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM
- B23K37/00—Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted to a procedure covered by only one of the preceding main groups
- B23K37/04—Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted to a procedure covered by only one of the preceding main groups for holding or positioning work
- B23K37/0408—Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted to a procedure covered by only one of the preceding main groups for holding or positioning work for planar work
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23P—METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; COMBINED OPERATIONS; UNIVERSAL MACHINE TOOLS
- B23P23/00—Machines or arrangements of machines for performing specified combinations of different metal-working operations not covered by a single other subclass
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B30—PRESSES
- B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
- B30B13/00—Methods of pressing not special to the use of presses of any one of the preceding main groups
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a laser machine, a laser machining method, a planar-member machining system, and a planar-member machining method.
- Examples of known apparatuses that cut a workpiece include laser machines (for example, see Patent Literature 1).
- a laser machine cuts a workpiece placed on a workpiece rack by moving a laser head relative to the workpiece while applying a laser to the workpiece.
- Patent Literature 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 5-23877
- the workpiece machined by the laser machine is transferred from the workpiece rack to another workpiece support or the like and carried to a predetermined place.
- This transfer of the workpiece from the workpiece rack to the other workpiece support is required to be performed stably and efficiently.
- transfer of the workpiece placed on the workpiece rack by lifting it using the other workpiece support requires a space through which the workpiece is lifted.
- avoiding the workpiece from interfering with the laser head requires previously retracting the laser head, making it difficult to transfer the workpiece efficiently.
- the upper end of the workpiece rack may be melted due to the application of laser light associated with the machining of the workpiece and thus the height at which the workpiece is placed may be reduced. For this reason, when the other workpiece support receives the workpiece, it is necessary to check the height of the workpiece as appropriate and to match the height of the workpiece support to the height of the workpiece.
- an object of the present invention is to provide laser machines, laser machining methods, planar-member machining systems, and planar-member machining methods that are able to transfer a workpiece easily and efficiently by allowing a workpiece rack with the workpiece placed thereon to be raised and lowered.
- a laser machine of the present invention includes a laser head that machines a planar workpiece located in a machining region while moving relative to the workpiece, a workpiece rack that is able to travel with the workpiece placed thereon, and an elevator that is able to locate the workpiece in the machining region by raising and lowering the workpiece rack with the workpiece placed thereon.
- the machining region may be set in a position to which the workpiece rack is raised by the elevator.
- the workpiece rack may be able to travel relative to a body frame, and the elevator may include a rod that is disposed on one of the workpiece rack and the body frame and driven vertically and a receiver that is disposed on the other of the workpiece rack and the body frame and receives a front end of the rod.
- the front end of the rod may be in the shape of a cone, a truncated cone, or a sphere, and the receiver may have a conical, truncated conical, or spherical recess into which the front end of the rod is inserted.
- the elevator may include multiple elevators that support multiple portions of the workpiece rack and raise and lower the workpiece rack.
- the receiver or the rod on the workpiece rack may be horizontally adjustable so as to correspond to the rod or the receiver on the body frame.
- a planar-member machining system of the present invention includes the above laser machine, a carrying apparatus that is able to carry the workpiece located on the laser machine, and a second machine that machines the workpiece in a second machining region set midway in a course through which the carrying apparatus carries the workpiece from the laser machine, the second machine including a machining tool.
- a laser machining method of the present invention includes raising a workpiece rack with a workpiece placed thereon and laser-machining the workpiece, inserting or locating a workpiece support under the workpiece, and lowering the workpiece rack so that the workpiece is supported by the workpiece support.
- the laser machining method may include positioning the workpiece rack horizontally relative to the body frame in raising the workpiece rack.
- a planar-member machining method of the present invention includes machining a planar workpiece placed on a workpiece rack while moving a laser head relative to the workpiece, carrying the workpiece placed on the workpiece rack, and machining the workpiece using a machining tool in a second machining region set midway in a course through which the workpiece is carried from the workpiece rack.
- the planar-member machining method includes the above laser machining method.
- a workpiece can be transferred to the other workpiece support or the like easily and efficiently by raising and lowering the workpiece rack. Even if the upper end of the workpiece rack is melted and thus the height at which the workpiece is placed is reduced, the workpiece can be easily transferred to the other workpiece support by raising and lowering the workpiece rack. Also, the distance between the laser head and the workpiece can be easily adjusted by adjusting the position to which the workpiece rack is raised.
- the machined workpiece can be transferred from the workpiece rack easily and reliably by lowering the workpiece rack after laser machining.
- the workpiece rack is able to travel relative to the body frame and the elevator includes a rod that is disposed on one of the workpiece rack and the body frame and driven vertically and a receiver that is disposed on the other of the workpiece rack and the body frame and receives a front end of the rod, the workpiece rack can be easily raised and lowered using the simple configuration including of the vertically driven rod and the receiver.
- the workpiece rack can be easily positioned relative to the body frame by inserting the front end of the rod into the recess.
- the elevator includes multiple elevators that support multiple portions of the workpiece rack and raise and lower the workpiece rack, the workpiece rack can be raised and lowered in a well-balanced manner by the elevators.
- the receiver or the rod on the workpiece rack is adjustable horizontally so as to correspond to the rod or the receiver on the body frame, the rod and the receiver can be aligned with each other. Even if multiple workpiece racks are used alternately, each workpiece rack can be adapted to the elevator.
- a workpiece can be transferred to the other workpiece support or the like easily and efficiently by raising and lowering the workpiece rack. Even if the upper end of the workpiece rack is melted and thus the height at which the workpiece is placed is reduced, the workpiece can be easily transferred to the other workpiece support by raising and lowering the workpiece rack. Also, the distance between the laser head and the workpiece can be easily adjusted by adjusting the position to which the workpiece rack is raised. Also, the workpiece W is easily transferred to the workpiece support and thus the workpiece W can be easily formed by the second machine 32.
- a workpiece can be transferred to the workpiece support easily and efficiently by lowering the workpiece rack. Also, the position in which the workpiece is laser-machined can be easily adjusted by adjusting the position to which the workpiece rack is raised. Also, if the laser machining method includes positioning the workpiece rack horizontally relative to the body frame in raising the workpiece rack, the raised workpiece rack can be reliably positioned relative to the frame body.
- the upward direction is the positive Z-direction
- the downward direction is the negative Z-direction
- the directions of arrows represent the positive X-, Y-, and Z-directions
- the directions opposite to the directions of the arrows represent the negative X-, Y-, and Z-directions.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a laser machine 1 of an embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of the laser machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 .
- the laser machine 1 cuts parts of a workpiece W into products having a desired shape by laser-machining the workpiece W.
- the laser machine 1 includes an elevator 2, a body frame 3, a laser head 4, a head driver 5, a palette (workpiece rack) 6, and a workpiece support 7.
- the laser machine 1 is configured to be able to raise and lower the palette 6 with the workpiece W placed thereon using the elevator 2.
- the body frame 3 includes two frames 3a, 3b disposed along the X-direction on the positive and negative Y-sides thereof and two lower frames 3c (see FIG. 2 ), 3d disposed on the positive and negative X-sides thereof.
- the frames 3a, 3b are connected through the frames 3c, 3d.
- the body frame 3 may have any configuration and the shapes, sizes, or number of the frame 3a and the like forming the body frame 3 may be any shapes, sizes, or number.
- the laser head 4 moves relative to the planar workpiece W located in a machining region R1 and machines the workpiece W.
- the laser head 4 has, in a lower portion thereof, an emitter (not shown) that emits laser light.
- the laser head 4 is connected to a laser light source (not shown) through a light transmitter, such as an optical fiber (not shown).
- the laser light source is, for example, a solid laser light source, such as a fiber laser.
- the laser head 4 can be moved relative to the workpiece W in the X-, Y-, and Z-directions by the head driver 5.
- the machining region R1 is set so as to include the range in which the laser head 4 moves in the X- and Y-directions. Since the laser machine 1 machines the workpiece W located in the machining region R1 while moving the laser head 4 relative to the workpiece W, the workpiece W can be machined quickly.
- the height of the machining region R1 is set to, for example, the height of the workpiece W placed on the palette 6 when the palette 6 is raised by the elevator 2 (to be discussed later).
- the head driver 5 includes a gantry 5a, a slider 5b, and an elevator 5c.
- the gantry 5a is disposed along the Y-direction on a pair of guide rails 5d.
- the pair of guide rails 5d are disposed on the frames 3a, 3b so as to be in parallel with each other along the X-direction with the machining region R1 therebetween in the Y-direction.
- the head driver 5 includes a driver (not shown) that moves the gantry 5a in the X-direction, such as a ball screw mechanism.
- the gantry 5a can be moved along the guide rails 5d in the X-direction by this driver.
- the upper surface (the positive Z-side surface) of the gantry 5a is provided with a guide 5e.
- the guide 5e is formed along the Y-direction and guides the slider 5b.
- the slider 5b is disposed so as to extend from the upper surface to the negative X-side surface of the gantry 5a.
- the head driver 5 includes a driver (not shown) that moves the slider 5b in the Y-direction, such as a ball screw mechanism.
- the slider 5b can be moved along the guide 5e in the Y-direction by this driver.
- a guide that guides the slider 5b may be formed, for example, in the negative X-side surface of the gantry 5a.
- the negative X-side surface of the slider 5b is provided with a guide 5f.
- the guide 5f is formed along the vertical direction and guides the elevator 5c.
- the elevator 5c is disposed on the negative X-side surface of the slider 5b.
- the head driver 5 includes a driver (not shown) that moves the elevator 5c vertically, such as a ball screw mechanism. The elevator 5c can be moved vertically along the guide 5f by this driver.
- the laser head 4 is held by the elevator 5c.
- the laser head 4 moves in the X-direction integrally;
- the slider 5b moves in the Y-direction, the laser head 4 and the elevator 5c move in the Y-direction integrally;
- the elevator 5c moves vertically.
- the laser head 4 can be moved in the X-, Y-, and Z-directions in an upper portion of the machining region R1.
- the head driver 5 is not limited to the above configuration.
- the head driver 5 may move the laser head 4 in the X, Y, and Z-directions using a robot arm.
- the workpiece W may be moved, or both the laser head 4 and workpiece W may be moved.
- the palette 6 serving as a workpiece rack is able to travel with the workpiece W placed thereon.
- the palette 6 includes, for example, a base plate 11, multiple support plates 12, and multiple wheels 13.
- the support plates 12 are arranged in the X-direction so as to stand on the upper surface of the rectangular base plate 11, and the upper ends 12a thereof support the lower surface of the workpiece W.
- the distance between two support plates 12 is set such that arms 7b of the workpiece support 7 (to be discussed later) can be inserted therebetween.
- the upper ends 12a have the workpiece W placed thereon. Since the upper ends 12a have the same height, the workpiece W is placed thereon approximately horizontally.
- the palette 6 serves also as a table that supports the workpiece W in the machining region R1.
- the upper ends 12a form a sawtooth shape and therefore are in contact with the workpiece W with a small area.
- the welding of the workpiece W to the support plates 12 due to the machining of the workpiece W can be reduced, and the workpiece W can be easily separated from the support plates 12 by the workpiece support 7 (to be discussed later).
- the upper ends 12a need not form a sawtooth shape and may form, for example, a pinholder shape or wave shape.
- the palette 6 need not use the support plates 12 and may be, for example, a palette where multiple pins are disposed on the base plate 11.
- the wheels 13 are disposed, for example, under the base plate 11.
- four wheels 13 are disposed under the four corners of the rectangular base plate 11 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the number of the wheels 13 is any number.
- at least two of the wheels 13 are driven by a driver (not shown).
- the wheels 13 need not be driven.
- all the wheels 13 may be driven wheels and may be caused to travel by the user, or by a belt, chain, or the like.
- the palette 6 is able to travel relative to the body frame 3.
- the wheels 13 travel relative to the body frame 3 while being guided by a pair of rails 15 extending from the body frame 3.
- the pair of rails 15 are disposed in a lower portion of the machining region R1 so as to be parallel with each other along the X-direction, and guide the wheels 13 of the palette 6 in the X-direction.
- the pair of rails 15 are supported by the frames 3c, 3d.
- a stopper 16 is disposed on the negative X-side of the frame 3a.
- the stopper 16 is disposed, for example, at the height of the base plate 11 of the palette 6.
- the stopper 16 restricts the movement of the palette 6 in the negative X-direction to position the palette 6 in a position P1 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the position P1 is the position in which a rod 18 of the elevator 2 (to be discussed later) is inserted into a receiver 19 of the elevator 2 when the rod 18 is raised.
- the position P1 is set in a lower portion of the machining region R1. Note that whether the stopper 16 is disposed is optional.
- the palette 6 when the palette 6 is located in an external position P2, the workpiece W is placed on the upper ends 12a of the support plates 12.
- the palette 6 with the workpiece W placed thereon travels in the negative X-direction from the position P2, enters the body frame 3, and is positioned in the position P1 by the stopper 16.
- the workpiece W is carried into the body frame 3.
- the palette 6 may be used not only to carry the workpiece W into the body frame 3 but also to place the machined workpiece W and carry it out thereof.
- the palette 6 is configured to reciprocate between the laser machine 1 and the outside so that the workpiece W can be carried into or out of the laser machine 1.
- the workpiece support 7 can be inserted under the workpiece W placed on the palette 6.
- the workpiece support 7 includes, for example, a base 7a and the arms 7b.
- the base 7a is formed so as to extend in the X-direction.
- Each arm 7b is in the shape of a rod extending in the positive Y-direction from the base 7a.
- the arms 7b are arranged in the X-direction on the upper surface of the base 7a.
- the arms 7b are formed so as to be insertable between the support plates 12 of the palette 6 when the workpiece support 7 is moved in the positive Y-direction.
- the arms 7b are formed so as to be arranged in the X-direction in a pitch approximately equal to that of the support plates 12.
- brushes are disposed at predetermined intervals on the upper surface of each arm 7b.
- the brushes are formed of, for example, a material such as resin and avoid damage to the lower surface of the workpiece W when the workpiece support 7 supports the workpiece W. Note that whether the brushes are disposed is optional. Multiple free ball bearings (where balls are able to roll in all directions) may be disposed in place of the brushes.
- the workpiece support 7 includes a driver (not shown) and a guide (not shown) and is able to move in the positive Y-direction from a standby region R2.
- the frame 3b has an opening 14 (see FIG. 1 ).
- the opening 14 has a shape through which the arms 7b of the workpiece support 7 and the workpiece W can be passed.
- the workpiece support 7 is set so as to be able to move in the Y-direction from the standby region R2 to the range in which the arms 7b are inserted under the workpiece W placed on the palette 6. The operation of transferring the workpiece W from the palette 6 to the workpiece support 7 will be described later.
- the workpiece support 7 is not limited to having a fork shape having the arms 7b.
- the workpiece support 7 may be one that can be positioned under the workpiece W, such as one where multiple rod-shaped members are raised from a lower portion of the machining region R1.
- the laser machine 1 need not include the workpiece support 7.
- the elevator 2 is able to position the workpiece W in the machining region R1 by raising and lowering the palette 6 with the workpiece W placed thereon.
- the elevator 2 includes multiple elevators that support multiple portions of the palette 6 and raise and lower the palette 6.
- elevators 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are disposed near the four corners of the palette 6. By disposing the elevators 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, the palette 6 can be raised and lowered stably.
- the elevators 2a to 2d are disposed so as to protrude from the positive and negative X-sides of the palette 6.
- the elevators 2a to 2d each include a rod 18 and a receiver 19.
- FIG. 3 includes perspective views showing an example of the elevator 2, in which FIG. 3(A) shows a state in which the rod 18 is lowered; and FIG. 3(B) shows a state in which the rod 18 is raised. While the elevator 2a is shown in FIG. 3 , the other elevators 2b to 2d also have similar configurations. As shown in FIG. 3 , the rod 18 of the elevator 2a is disposed on the frame 3d, and the receiver 19 thereof is disposed on the palette 6. The receiver 19 is disposed so as to correspond to the position of the rod 18. It is also disposed in the position that receives the front end of the rod 18 when the rod 18 is raised.
- the rod 18 is disposed on the body frame 3 so as to be vertically movable.
- the rod 18 is moved vertically by activating a driver 20 disposed in the frame 3d.
- the driver 20 is, for example, an air cylinder or hydraulic cylinder, and the rod 18 may be a piston rod.
- the driver 20 may also be a ball screw mechanism using an electric motor, and the rod 18 may be a ball screw.
- the rod 18 and the driver 20 may be disposed away from each other. For example, the following configuration may be used: the driver 20 is disposed away from the rod 18; and the rod 18 is be moved by the driver 20 through a driving force transmitter.
- the front end 18a of the rod 18 is in the shape of a truncated cone having a rounded upper end.
- the front end of the rod 18 is formed so as to correspond to the shape of the receiver 19. Note that the front end 18a of the rod 18 need not be in the shape of a truncated cone and may be in the shape of, for example, a cone having a sharp front end or a sphere having a rounded front end.
- the receiver 19 is disposed on the palette 6 and disposed in the position in which the front end 18a of the rod 18 is inserted into the receiver 19. As shown in FIG. 3 , the receiver 19 has a truncated conical recess 19a into which the front end 18a of the rod 18 is inserted. As described above, the shape of the recess 19a is set so as to correspond to the shape of the front end 18a of the rod 18 and may be a cone or sphere. Also, the recess 19a may have a shape different from the front end 18a as long as the front end 18a of the rod 18 can be inserted thereinto.
- the receiver 19 includes an L-shaped bracket 19b and a lower member 19c mounted on a lower portion of the bracket 19b.
- the lower member 19c has the recess 19a in the lower surface thereof.
- the bracket 19b is fastened to a side surface of the base plate 11 of the palette 6 by a fastening member 22, such as a bolt.
- a fastening member 22 such as a bolt.
- the lower member 19c is fastened to the bracket 19b by a fastening member 21, such as a bolt.
- the lower member 19c can be moved vertically relative to the bracket 19b by a predetermined amount by loosening the fastening member 21.
- the receiver 19 need not include the bracket 19b and the lower member 19c and may be a single member. Also, the receiver 19 may be disposed, for example, on the back surface of the base plate 11 of the palette 6. Also, a structure similar to the recess 19a may be formed in a portion of the back surface of the base plate 11. Instead of making the position of the recess 19a of the receiver 19 adjustable, the position of the rod 18 on the body frame 3 may be made horizontally adjustable.
- the rod 18 is lowered in a state in which the driver 20 is not activated. In this state, the movement of the palette 6 is restricted by the stopper 16, and the palette 6 is placed on the frame 3d. By activating the driver 20 in this state to raise the rod 18, the front end 18a of the rod 18 is inserted into the recess 19a of the receiver 19, as shown in FIG. 3(B) . By further raising the rod 18, the base plate 11 (palette 6) with the workpiece W placed thereon is raised.
- the position to which the palette 6 is raised is, for example, the position in which the workpiece W is located in the machining region R1 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the position to which the palette 6 is raised may be set on the basis of the length by which the rod 18 is elevated by the driver 20, or may be set by detecting the height of the palette 6 or workpiece W using, for example, an optical sensor and stopping raising the rod 18.
- FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) are drawings showing an example of the operation of the rod 18 and the receiver 19.
- FIG. 4 includes drawings showing an example of the operation of the rod 18 and the receiver 19, in which FIG. 4(A) is a drawing showing a state in which the rod 18 is lowered;
- FIG. 4(B) is a drawing showing a state in which the rod 18 is raised and is in contact with the recess 19a;
- FIG. 4(C) is a drawing showing a state in which the rod 18 is inserted in the recess 19a.
- the palette 6 travels along the rails 15 and the position thereof relative to the body frame 3 is kept by the stopper 16, the position may be displaced to some extent. When the position of the palette 6 is displaced, the central axis AX1 of the front end 18a of the rod 18 and the central axis AX2 of the recess 19a become non-coaxial, as shown in FIG. 4(A) .
- the front end 18a of the rod 18 contacts the wall surface of the recess 19a, as shown in FIG. 4(B) ; and by further raising the rod 18, the wall surface of the recess 19a is pressed by the front end 18a of the rod 18.
- the recess 19a moves in the positive Y-direction, and the central axis AX2 of the recess 19a approaches the central axis AX1 of the front end 18a.
- the front end 18a is in the shape of a truncated cone, and the recess 19a is also in the shape of a truncated cone.
- the recess 19a can be easily moved as the rod 18 is raised. Due to this movement of the recess 19a in the positive Y-direction, the palette 6 is also moved in the positive Y-direction.
- the recess 19a is further moved in the positive Y-direction with the front end 18a of the rod 18 inserted in the recess 19a.
- the central axis AX2 of the recess 19a is aligned with the central axis AX1 of the front end 18a.
- the palette 6 is positioned in a predetermined horizontal position.
- the operation shown in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) is performed with the palette 6 placed on the body frame 3.
- the palette 6 can be raised.
- the workpiece W placed on the palette 6 can be accurately located in the machining region R1.
- the elevators 2a to 2d are disposed so as to correspond to the four portions of the palette 6 (see FIG. 2 ), and the front end 18a of the rod 18 is inserted in the recess 19a in each of the elevators 2a to 2d.
- the laser machine 1 is able to prevent displacement or the like of the palette 6 and to raise the palette 6 stably.
- the elevators 2a to 2d are controlled by a controller (not shown) so that the elevators raise and lower the palette 6 synchronously.
- the elevators 2a to 2d are controlled by the controller so that the height (position) of the rod 18, the speed at which the rod 18 is raised and lowered, or the like is synchronized between the elevators 2a to 2d and thus the workpiece W placed on the palette 6 is raised while being kept horizontal.
- All the four elevators, 2a to 2d need not include the rod 18 and the receiver 19 that operate as shown in FIG. 4 , and at least one elevator, such as the elevator 2a, may include those elements. If two elevators (e.g., the elevators 2a, 2b) include those elements, it is possible to position the palette 6 relative to the body frame 3 in the X-and Y-directions, as well as in the rotational direction around the Z-direction. In this case, the other elevators (e.g., the elevators 2c, 2d) may be ones where the rod 18 simply pushes up the receiver 19. This eliminates the need to form the front end 18a of the rod 18 and the recess 19a of the receiver into truncated conical shapes or the like.
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the laser machining method of the present embodiment.
- FIGS. 6 to 8 are drawings showing the operation of the laser machine 1. The description will be made with reference to FIG. 5 and, when necessary, FIGS. 6 to 8 . While the elevators 2a, 2d are shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the elevators 2b, 2c also operate in a similar manner. In the following description, these elevators will be collectively referred to as the elevator 2.
- the laser machining method of the present embodiment positions the palette 6 horizontally in step S1 shown in FIG. 5 .
- the palette 6 with the workpiece W placed on the upper ends 12a of the support plates 12 thereof travels from the external position P2 (see FIG. 2 ) into the body frame 3.
- the palette 6 travels in the negative X-direction relative to the body frame 3 while the wheels 13 thereof are guided by the rails 15.
- the movement of the palette 6 in the X-direction is restricted by the stopper 16, and the palette 6 is located in the position P1 below the machining region R1.
- FIG. 6(A) the palette 6 with the workpiece W placed on the upper ends 12a of the support plates 12 thereof travels from the external position P2 (see FIG. 2 ) into the body frame 3.
- the palette 6 travels in the negative X-direction relative to the body frame 3 while the wheels 13 thereof are guided by the rails 15.
- the movement of the palette 6 in the X-direction is restricted by the stopper 16, and the palette 6 is located in the
- the rod 18 of the elevator 2 is raised, and the front end 18a of the rod 18 is inserted into the recess 19a of the receiver 19 on the palette 6.
- the front end 18a contacts the wall surface of the recess 19a and thus the palette 6 is positioned horizontally, as described above with reference to FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) .
- step S2 shown in FIG. 5 the palette 6 having the workpiece W placed thereon is raised.
- the elevator 2 raises the horizontally positioned palette 6 by further raising the rod 18 in the state shown in FIG. 6(C) .
- the elevator 2 raises the palette 6 such that the workpiece W placed on the palette 6 is located in the machining region R1.
- the height of the workpiece W (the height of the palette 6) may be detected using any type of sensor or the like and the elevator 2 may be controlled so that the workpiece W is located in the machining region R1.
- step S3 shown in FIG. 5 the workpiece W placed on the palette 6 is laser-machined.
- the laser head 4 machines the workpiece W located in the machining region R1 by moving relative to the workpiece W while applying laser light to the workpiece W.
- the workpiece W may be laser-machined, for example, with ends thereof held by workpiece holders or the like.
- the laser head 4 need not be moved relative to the workpiece W.
- the workpiece W may be moved relative to the laser head 4, or both the laser head 4 and workpiece W may be moved.
- step S4 shown in FIG. 5 the workpiece support 7 is inserted or located under the workpiece W.
- the workpiece support 7 moves in the positive Y-direction from the standby region R2 (see FIG. 2 ) and thus the arms 7b of the workpiece support 7 are inserted between the support plates 12 of the palette 6 under the workpiece W, as shown in FIG. 7(C) .
- the arms 7b are inserted between the support plates 12 through the opening 14 (see FIG. 1 ) of the body frame 3.
- step S5 shown in FIG. 5 the palette 6 is lowered so that the workpiece W is supported by the workpiece support 7.
- the elevator 2 lowers the rod 18 and thus lowers the palette 6.
- the palette 6 is lowered, the workpiece W placed on the upper ends 12a of the support plates 12 of the palette 6 is transferred to the arms 7b of the workpiece support 7.
- step S6 shown in FIG. 5 the workpiece W transferred to the workpiece support 7 is carried to an external predetermined position, such as the standby region R2 (see FIG. 2 ), by a carrying apparatus (not shown). Then, the workpiece W is carried from the standby region R2 to another storage place or the like, or the assortment of products in the workpiece W, or the like is performed in the standby region R2. After the workpiece W is carried out of the body frame 3, the workpiece support 7 moves in the negative Y-direction and returns to the standby region R2 (see FIG. 2 ).
- the palette 6, from which the workpiece W has been transferred travels relative to the body frame 3 in the positive X-direction.
- the palette 6 moves to the position P2 (see FIG. 2 ), which is outside the body frame 3, and waits and then a new workpiece W is placed thereon.
- the workpiece support 7 is inserted under the workpiece W placed on the palette 6 and then moved vertically relative to the palette 6.
- the workpiece W can be easily transferred from the palette 6 to the workpiece support 7.
- the elevator 2 raises the palette 6 so that the workpiece W is located higher than the arms 7b of the workpiece support 7; the arms 7b are inserted; and then the elevator 2 lowers the palette 6.
- the workpiece W can be reliably transferred to the workpiece support 7 while removing the weld, by moving the palette 6 and the workpiece support 7 vertically relative to each other. Also, even if the support plates 12 of the palette 6 are melted due to the application of laser light and thus the height at which the workpiece W is placed is changed, the workpiece W can be reliably located at the height of the machining region R1 by changing the amount by which the palette 6 is raised by the elevator 2.
- FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the planar-member machining system 100.
- the planar-member machining system 100 includes the above laser machine 1, a carrying apparatus 31, and a second machine 32.
- the planar-member machining system 100 laser-machines a workpiece W using the laser machine 1 and forms the resulting workpiece using the second machine 32. Note that the laser machine 1 is similar to the above laser machine 1.
- the carrying apparatus 31 is able to carry the workpiece W located in the machining region R1 of the laser machine 1.
- the carrying apparatus 31 is also able to locate the workpiece W in a second machining region R3 of the second machine 32 by carrying the workpiece W in the Y-direction.
- the carrying apparatus 31 includes a carriage 31a, a plate 31b, and workpiece holders 31c.
- the carriage 31a is formed such that it can be moved along a pair of guides 34 in the Y-direction by a driver (not shown).
- the pair of guides 34 are disposed along the Y-direction with a fixed table 40 therebetween in the X-direction.
- the driver is, for example, a ball screw mechanism or linear motor.
- the plate 31b is formed so as to be rectangular when seen from above and is fixed to the positive Y-side side surface of the carriage 31a.
- the X-direction length of the plate 31b is set so as to correspond to the X-direction length of the workpiece W.
- the Y-direction length of the plate 31b is set to a length such that the workpiece holders 31c are able to grasp the workpiece W supported by the palette 6 when the carriage 31a approaches the negative Y-side of an opening 38 of the second machine 32 (to be discussed later).
- the workpiece holders 31c are disposed in three positions on the positive Y-side of the plate 31b so as to protrude in the positive Y-direction and to be spaced from each other in the X-direction.
- the workpiece holders 31c are driven by a driver (not shown) and configured to be able to grasp or release an end of the workpiece W. Note that the number of the workpiece holders 31c is any number. Instead of grasping the workpiece W, the workpiece holders 31c may adsorb portions of the workpiece W.
- the second machine 32 has the second machining region R3 set midway in the course through which the carrying apparatus 31 carries the workpiece W from the palette 6.
- the second machine 32 includes a machining tool 36 that machines the workpiece W, and a frame 37.
- the machining tool 36 is, for example, a press tool or tap tool.
- the second machine 32 forms or taps a predetermined portion of the workpiece W using the machining tool 36.
- the machining tool 36 is disposed on the frame 37 so as to be movable in the X-direction relative to the frame 37.
- the frame 37 is provided with the opening 38.
- the opening 38 is formed such that the workpiece W, the workpiece support 7, and a part of the carrying apparatus 31 is able to pass therethrough.
- the carrying apparatus 31 carries the workpiece W between the laser machine 1 and the second machine 32 through the opening 14 of the laser machine 1 and the opening 38 of the second machine 32.
- the second machining region R3 is located between the machining region R1 and the standby region R2. In the second machining region R3, the workpiece W is carried in the Y-direction by the carrying apparatus 31, and the machining tool 36 moves in the X-direction. Thus, the machining tool 36 can be positioned over any position of the workpiece W.
- the planar-member machining system 100 also includes the fixed table 40 to support the workpiece W.
- the fixed table 40 is disposed in the standby region R2 for the workpiece support 7 on the negative Y-side of the second machine 32.
- the fixed table 40 includes a base 40a extending in the X-direction and multiple rods 40b extending in the positive Y-direction from the base 40a.
- the upper surfaces of the rods 40b support the workpiece. Brushes or free ball bearings (where balls are able to roll in all directions) (not shown) are disposed at predetermined intervals on the upper surfaces of the rods 40b so that damage to the lower surface of the workpiece W is avoided.
- the carrying apparatus 31 is disposed over the fixed table 40. Thus, the space over the fixed table 40 can be utilized, and the entire system can be made compact.
- the planar-member machining system 100 also includes a controller (not shown).
- the controller includes a central processing unit (CPU) and storage devices, such as a memory and a hard disk.
- the storage devices store programs or the like required to perform various types of control.
- the controller controls, for example, the position and laser output of the laser head 4 of the laser machine 1, the drive of the workpiece support 7, the drive of the carrying apparatus 31, and the operation of the second machine 32.
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the planar-member machining method of the present embodiment.
- the following description is only illustrative and does not limit the operation of the planar-member machining system 100 and the planar-member machining method.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 are drawings showing the operation of the planar-member machining system 100. The description will be made with reference to FIG. 10 and, when necessary, FIGS. 11 and 12 . Steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 10 are similar to those shown in FIG. 5 and therefore the description thereof will be simplified.
- step S1 shown in FIG. 10 the palette 6 having the workpiece W placed thereon is positioned horizontally.
- the palette 6 is carried from the outside into the laser machine 1.
- step S2 shown in FIG. 10 the palette 6 is raised.
- step S3 shown in FIG. 10 the workpiece W is laser-machined. At this time, as shown in FIG.
- the carrying apparatus 31 moves in the positive Y-direction and grasps the end of the workpiece W using the workpiece holders 31c.
- displacement of the workpiece W can be prevented during laser machining.
- the workpiece W need not be grasped using the workpiece holders 31c during laser machining.
- the laser machine 1 machines the workpiece W by applying laser light to the workpiece W while moving the laser head 4 relative to the workpiece W.
- step S4 shown in FIG. 10 the workpiece support 7 is inserted under the workpiece W.
- the workpiece support 7 moves in the positive Y-direction from the standby region R2 (see FIG. 9 ) and is inserted under the workpiece W.
- step S5 shown in FIG. 10 the palette 6 is lowered so that the workpiece W is supported by the workpiece support 7.
- the elevator 2 lowers the rod 18 and thus lowers the palette 6.
- the workpiece W can be easily transferred from the palette 6 to the workpiece support 7.
- step S6 shown in FIG. 10 the carrying apparatus 31 carries the workpiece W placed on the palette 6. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12(C) , the carrying apparatus 31 carries the workpiece W in the negative Y-direction.
- the workpiece support 7 serves as a table to support the workpiece W.
- the carrying apparatus 31 positions a predetermined portion of the workpiece W in the second machining region R3 set midway in the course through which it carries the workpiece W.
- step S7 shown in FIG. 10 the second machine 32 forms or taps the predetermined portion of the workpiece W positioned in the second machining region R3 using the machining tool 36.
- step S8 shown in FIG. 10 the workpiece W is carried to an external predetermined position (e.g., the standby region R2 shown in FIG. 9 ) by the carrying apparatus 31. Then, the workpiece W is carried from the standby region R2 to, for example, another storage place or the like, or assortment of products in the workpiece W, or the like is performed in the standby region R2. After the workpiece W is carried out of the body frame 3, the workpiece support 7 moves in the negative Y-direction and returns to the standby region R2 (see FIG. 9 ). Note that in step S8 shown in FIG. 10 , the carrying apparatus 31 may carry the workpiece W to the machining region R1 and the workpiece W may be laser-machined again.
- the carrying apparatus 31 may carry the workpiece W to the machining region R1 and the workpiece W may be laser-machined again.
- the workpiece W can be transferred to the workpiece support 7 easily and reliably by raising and lowering the palette 6. Also, there is no need to provide a complicated mechanism to raise and lower the workpiece support 7 and thus the apparatus cost can be reduced. Also, the workpiece W is easily transferred to the workpiece support 7 and thus can be efficiently carried by the carrying apparatus 31. As a result, the workpiece W can be efficiently carried to the second machine 32 and positioned there.
- the elevators 2a to 2d are disposed in the four positions, other configurations may be used.
- elevators 2 may be disposed in one to three positions or five or more positions. If elevators 2 are disposed in one or two positions, a guide that vertically guides a portion of the palette 6 may be disposed in the body frame 3 so that the one or two elevators 2 are able to raise and lower the palette 6 in a well-balanced manner.
- the following configuration may also be used: one or two elevators 2 raise and lower a planar member; and the palette 6 is placed on the planar member and then raised and lowered.
- the rod 18 of the elevator 2 is disposed on the body frame 3 and the receiver 19 is disposed on the palette 6, other configurations may be used.
- the rod 18 may be disposed on the palette 6, and the receiver 19 may be disposed on the body frame 3.
- the rod 18 may be disposed on the palette 6, and the receiver 19 may be disposed on the body frame 3.
- the workpiece W supported by the workpiece support 7 is carried out of the body frame 3 by the carrying apparatus 31, other configurations may be used.
- the laser-machined workpiece W may be transferred to the workpiece support 7 and then carried out of the body frame 3.
- the machined workpiece W placed on the palette 6 may be carried out of the body frame 3.
- the machined workpiece W placed on the palette 6 may be carried out of the body frame 3 after inserting the arms 7b of the workpiece support 7 under the workpiece W and moving the palette 6 and the workpiece support 7 vertically relative to each other to remove the welds between the workpiece W and the support plates 12.
- the workpiece W is transferred to the workpiece support 7 by lowering the palette 6
- the workpiece W may be transferred by raising the workpiece support 7 relative to the palette 6.
- the workpiece W may be transferred by lowering the palette 6 and simultaneously raising the workpiece support 7.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a laser machine, a laser machining method, a planar-member machining system, and a planar-member machining method.
- Examples of known apparatuses that cut a workpiece include laser machines (for example, see Patent Literature 1). A laser machine cuts a workpiece placed on a workpiece rack by moving a laser head relative to the workpiece while applying a laser to the workpiece.
- [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
5-23877 - The workpiece machined by the laser machine is transferred from the workpiece rack to another workpiece support or the like and carried to a predetermined place. This transfer of the workpiece from the workpiece rack to the other workpiece support is required to be performed stably and efficiently. For example, transfer of the workpiece placed on the workpiece rack by lifting it using the other workpiece support requires a space through which the workpiece is lifted. Also, avoiding the workpiece from interfering with the laser head requires previously retracting the laser head, making it difficult to transfer the workpiece efficiently. Also, the upper end of the workpiece rack may be melted due to the application of laser light associated with the machining of the workpiece and thus the height at which the workpiece is placed may be reduced. For this reason, when the other workpiece support receives the workpiece, it is necessary to check the height of the workpiece as appropriate and to match the height of the workpiece support to the height of the workpiece.
- In view of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide laser machines, laser machining methods, planar-member machining systems, and planar-member machining methods that are able to transfer a workpiece easily and efficiently by allowing a workpiece rack with the workpiece placed thereon to be raised and lowered.
- A laser machine of the present invention includes a laser head that machines a planar workpiece located in a machining region while moving relative to the workpiece, a workpiece rack that is able to travel with the workpiece placed thereon, and an elevator that is able to locate the workpiece in the machining region by raising and lowering the workpiece rack with the workpiece placed thereon.
- The machining region may be set in a position to which the workpiece rack is raised by the elevator. The workpiece rack may be able to travel relative to a body frame, and the elevator may include a rod that is disposed on one of the workpiece rack and the body frame and driven vertically and a receiver that is disposed on the other of the workpiece rack and the body frame and receives a front end of the rod. The front end of the rod may be in the shape of a cone, a truncated cone, or a sphere, and the receiver may have a conical, truncated conical, or spherical recess into which the front end of the rod is inserted. The elevator may include multiple elevators that support multiple portions of the workpiece rack and raise and lower the workpiece rack. The receiver or the rod on the workpiece rack may be horizontally adjustable so as to correspond to the rod or the receiver on the body frame.
- A planar-member machining system of the present invention includes the above laser machine, a carrying apparatus that is able to carry the workpiece located on the laser machine, and a second machine that machines the workpiece in a second machining region set midway in a course through which the carrying apparatus carries the workpiece from the laser machine, the second machine including a machining tool.
- A laser machining method of the present invention includes raising a workpiece rack with a workpiece placed thereon and laser-machining the workpiece, inserting or locating a workpiece support under the workpiece, and lowering the workpiece rack so that the workpiece is supported by the workpiece support. The laser machining method may include positioning the workpiece rack horizontally relative to the body frame in raising the workpiece rack.
- A planar-member machining method of the present invention includes machining a planar workpiece placed on a workpiece rack while moving a laser head relative to the workpiece, carrying the workpiece placed on the workpiece rack, and machining the workpiece using a machining tool in a second machining region set midway in a course through which the workpiece is carried from the workpiece rack. The planar-member machining method includes the above laser machining method.
- According to the present invention, a workpiece can be transferred to the other workpiece support or the like easily and efficiently by raising and lowering the workpiece rack. Even if the upper end of the workpiece rack is melted and thus the height at which the workpiece is placed is reduced, the workpiece can be easily transferred to the other workpiece support by raising and lowering the workpiece rack. Also, the distance between the laser head and the workpiece can be easily adjusted by adjusting the position to which the workpiece rack is raised.
- If the machining region is set in the position to which the workpiece rack is raised by the elevator, the machined workpiece can be transferred from the workpiece rack easily and reliably by lowering the workpiece rack after laser machining. If the workpiece rack is able to travel relative to the body frame and the elevator includes a rod that is disposed on one of the workpiece rack and the body frame and driven vertically and a receiver that is disposed on the other of the workpiece rack and the body frame and receives a front end of the rod, the workpiece rack can be easily raised and lowered using the simple configuration including of the vertically driven rod and the receiver. If the front end of the rod is in the shape of a cone, a truncated cone, or a sphere and the receiver has a conical, truncated conical, or spherical recess into which the front end of the rod is inserted, the workpiece rack can be easily positioned relative to the body frame by inserting the front end of the rod into the recess. If the elevator includes multiple elevators that support multiple portions of the workpiece rack and raise and lower the workpiece rack, the workpiece rack can be raised and lowered in a well-balanced manner by the elevators. If the receiver or the rod on the workpiece rack is adjustable horizontally so as to correspond to the rod or the receiver on the body frame, the rod and the receiver can be aligned with each other. Even if multiple workpiece racks are used alternately, each workpiece rack can be adapted to the elevator.
- According to planar-member machining systems and planar-member machining methods of the present invention, a workpiece can be transferred to the other workpiece support or the like easily and efficiently by raising and lowering the workpiece rack. Even if the upper end of the workpiece rack is melted and thus the height at which the workpiece is placed is reduced, the workpiece can be easily transferred to the other workpiece support by raising and lowering the workpiece rack. Also, the distance between the laser head and the workpiece can be easily adjusted by adjusting the position to which the workpiece rack is raised. Also, the workpiece W is easily transferred to the workpiece support and thus the workpiece W can be easily formed by the
second machine 32. - According to laser machining methods of the present invention, a workpiece can be transferred to the workpiece support easily and efficiently by lowering the workpiece rack. Also, the position in which the workpiece is laser-machined can be easily adjusted by adjusting the position to which the workpiece rack is raised. Also, if the laser machining method includes positioning the workpiece rack horizontally relative to the body frame in raising the workpiece rack, the raised workpiece rack can be reliably positioned relative to the frame body.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a laser machine of an embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the laser machine shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 includes perspective views showing an example of an elevator, in whichFIG. 3(A) shows a state in which a rod is lowered; andFIG. 3(B) shows a state in which the rod is raised. -
FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) are drawings showing an example of the operation of the rod and a receiver. -
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a laser machining method according to the embodiment. -
FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C) are drawings showing the operation of the laser machine. -
FIGS. 7(A) to 7(C) are drawings showing the operation of the laser machine following that inFIG. 6 . -
FIGS. 8(A) to 8(C) are drawings showing the operation of the laser machine following that inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of a planar-member machining system of the embodiment. -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a planar-member machining method of the embodiment. -
FIGS. 11(A) to 11(C) are drawings showing the operation of the planar-member machining system. -
FIGS. 12(A) to 12(C) are drawings showing the operation of the planar-member machining system following that inFIG. 11 . - Now, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. To clarify the embodiment, the drawings are scaled, for example, partially enlarged or highlighted, as necessary. In the drawings, directions are shown by an XYZ coordinate system. In this XYZ coordinate system, a plane parallel with the horizontal plane is defined as an XY-plane. Any direction parallel with the XY-plane is defined as an X-direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X-direction is defined as a Y-direction. The direction perpendicular to the XY-plane is defined as the vertical direction or a Z-direction. In the present specification, the upward direction is the positive Z-direction, and the downward direction is the negative Z-direction. In the drawings, the directions of arrows represent the positive X-, Y-, and Z-directions, and the directions opposite to the directions of the arrows represent the negative X-, Y-, and Z-directions.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of alaser machine 1 of an embodiment.FIG. 2 is a plan view of thelaser machine 1 shown inFIG. 1 . Thelaser machine 1 cuts parts of a workpiece W into products having a desired shape by laser-machining the workpiece W. As shown inFIGS. 1 and2 , thelaser machine 1 includes anelevator 2, abody frame 3, alaser head 4, ahead driver 5, a palette (workpiece rack) 6, and aworkpiece support 7. As will be described later, thelaser machine 1 is configured to be able to raise and lower thepalette 6 with the workpiece W placed thereon using theelevator 2. - The
body frame 3 includes twoframes lower frames 3c (seeFIG. 2 ), 3d disposed on the positive and negative X-sides thereof. Theframes frames body frame 3 may have any configuration and the shapes, sizes, or number of theframe 3a and the like forming thebody frame 3 may be any shapes, sizes, or number. - The
laser head 4 moves relative to the planar workpiece W located in a machining region R1 and machines the workpiece W. Thelaser head 4 has, in a lower portion thereof, an emitter (not shown) that emits laser light. Thelaser head 4 is connected to a laser light source (not shown) through a light transmitter, such as an optical fiber (not shown). The laser light source is, for example, a solid laser light source, such as a fiber laser. Thus, laser light having higher heat density than that of a carbon dioxide laser or the like is obtained, allowing cutting or the like to be performed quickly. - The
laser head 4 can be moved relative to the workpiece W in the X-, Y-, and Z-directions by thehead driver 5. The machining region R1 is set so as to include the range in which thelaser head 4 moves in the X- and Y-directions. Since thelaser machine 1 machines the workpiece W located in the machining region R1 while moving thelaser head 4 relative to the workpiece W, the workpiece W can be machined quickly. The height of the machining region R1 is set to, for example, the height of the workpiece W placed on thepalette 6 when thepalette 6 is raised by the elevator 2 (to be discussed later). - The
head driver 5 includes agantry 5a, aslider 5b, and anelevator 5c. Thegantry 5a is disposed along the Y-direction on a pair ofguide rails 5d. The pair ofguide rails 5d are disposed on theframes head driver 5 includes a driver (not shown) that moves thegantry 5a in the X-direction, such as a ball screw mechanism. Thegantry 5a can be moved along theguide rails 5d in the X-direction by this driver. - The upper surface (the positive Z-side surface) of the
gantry 5a is provided with aguide 5e. Theguide 5e is formed along the Y-direction and guides theslider 5b. Theslider 5b is disposed so as to extend from the upper surface to the negative X-side surface of thegantry 5a. Thehead driver 5 includes a driver (not shown) that moves theslider 5b in the Y-direction, such as a ball screw mechanism. Theslider 5b can be moved along theguide 5e in the Y-direction by this driver. Note that a guide that guides theslider 5b may be formed, for example, in the negative X-side surface of thegantry 5a. - The negative X-side surface of the
slider 5b is provided with aguide 5f. Theguide 5f is formed along the vertical direction and guides theelevator 5c. Theelevator 5c is disposed on the negative X-side surface of theslider 5b. Thehead driver 5 includes a driver (not shown) that moves theelevator 5c vertically, such as a ball screw mechanism. Theelevator 5c can be moved vertically along theguide 5f by this driver. - The
laser head 4 is held by theelevator 5c. When thegantry 5a moves in the X-direction, thelaser head 4, theslider 5b, and theelevator 5c move in the X-direction integrally; when theslider 5b moves in the Y-direction, thelaser head 4 and theelevator 5c move in the Y-direction integrally; and when theelevator 5c moves vertically, thelaser head 4 moves vertically. As seen above, thelaser head 4 can be moved in the X-, Y-, and Z-directions in an upper portion of the machining region R1. Note that thehead driver 5 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, thehead driver 5 may move thelaser head 4 in the X, Y, and Z-directions using a robot arm. Also, instead of thelaser head 4, the workpiece W may be moved, or both thelaser head 4 and workpiece W may be moved. - The
palette 6 serving as a workpiece rack is able to travel with the workpiece W placed thereon. Thepalette 6 includes, for example, abase plate 11,multiple support plates 12, andmultiple wheels 13. Thesupport plates 12 are arranged in the X-direction so as to stand on the upper surface of therectangular base plate 11, and the upper ends 12a thereof support the lower surface of the workpiece W. The distance between twosupport plates 12 is set such thatarms 7b of the workpiece support 7 (to be discussed later) can be inserted therebetween. - The upper ends 12a have the workpiece W placed thereon. Since the upper ends 12a have the same height, the workpiece W is placed thereon approximately horizontally. Thus, the
palette 6 serves also as a table that supports the workpiece W in the machining region R1. The upper ends 12a form a sawtooth shape and therefore are in contact with the workpiece W with a small area. Thus, the welding of the workpiece W to thesupport plates 12 due to the machining of the workpiece W can be reduced, and the workpiece W can be easily separated from thesupport plates 12 by the workpiece support 7 (to be discussed later). Note that the upper ends 12a need not form a sawtooth shape and may form, for example, a pinholder shape or wave shape. Also, thepalette 6 need not use thesupport plates 12 and may be, for example, a palette where multiple pins are disposed on thebase plate 11. - The
wheels 13 are disposed, for example, under thebase plate 11. For example, fourwheels 13 are disposed under the four corners of the rectangular base plate 11 (seeFIG. 2 ). Note that the number of thewheels 13 is any number. For example, at least two of thewheels 13 are driven by a driver (not shown). Note that thewheels 13 need not be driven. For example, all thewheels 13 may be driven wheels and may be caused to travel by the user, or by a belt, chain, or the like. - The
palette 6 is able to travel relative to thebody frame 3. Thewheels 13 travel relative to thebody frame 3 while being guided by a pair ofrails 15 extending from thebody frame 3. The pair ofrails 15 are disposed in a lower portion of the machining region R1 so as to be parallel with each other along the X-direction, and guide thewheels 13 of thepalette 6 in the X-direction. The pair ofrails 15 are supported by theframes stopper 16 is disposed on the negative X-side of theframe 3a. Thestopper 16 is disposed, for example, at the height of thebase plate 11 of thepalette 6. For example, thestopper 16 restricts the movement of thepalette 6 in the negative X-direction to position thepalette 6 in a position P1 (seeFIG. 2 ). The position P1 is the position in which arod 18 of the elevator 2 (to be discussed later) is inserted into areceiver 19 of theelevator 2 when therod 18 is raised. The position P1 is set in a lower portion of the machining region R1. Note that whether thestopper 16 is disposed is optional. - For example, when the
palette 6 is located in an external position P2, the workpiece W is placed on the upper ends 12a of thesupport plates 12. Thepalette 6 with the workpiece W placed thereon travels in the negative X-direction from the position P2, enters thebody frame 3, and is positioned in the position P1 by thestopper 16. Thus, the workpiece W is carried into thebody frame 3. Note that thepalette 6 may be used not only to carry the workpiece W into thebody frame 3 but also to place the machined workpiece W and carry it out thereof. As seen above, thepalette 6 is configured to reciprocate between thelaser machine 1 and the outside so that the workpiece W can be carried into or out of thelaser machine 1. - The
workpiece support 7 can be inserted under the workpiece W placed on thepalette 6. Theworkpiece support 7 includes, for example, abase 7a and thearms 7b. Thebase 7a is formed so as to extend in the X-direction. Eacharm 7b is in the shape of a rod extending in the positive Y-direction from thebase 7a. Thearms 7b are arranged in the X-direction on the upper surface of thebase 7a. Thearms 7b are formed so as to be insertable between thesupport plates 12 of thepalette 6 when theworkpiece support 7 is moved in the positive Y-direction. For example, thearms 7b are formed so as to be arranged in the X-direction in a pitch approximately equal to that of thesupport plates 12. For example, brushes (not shown) are disposed at predetermined intervals on the upper surface of eacharm 7b. The brushes are formed of, for example, a material such as resin and avoid damage to the lower surface of the workpiece W when theworkpiece support 7 supports the workpiece W. Note that whether the brushes are disposed is optional. Multiple free ball bearings (where balls are able to roll in all directions) may be disposed in place of the brushes. - The
workpiece support 7 includes a driver (not shown) and a guide (not shown) and is able to move in the positive Y-direction from a standby region R2. Note that theframe 3b has an opening 14 (seeFIG. 1 ). Theopening 14 has a shape through which thearms 7b of theworkpiece support 7 and the workpiece W can be passed. Theworkpiece support 7 is set so as to be able to move in the Y-direction from the standby region R2 to the range in which thearms 7b are inserted under the workpiece W placed on thepalette 6. The operation of transferring the workpiece W from thepalette 6 to theworkpiece support 7 will be described later. - The
workpiece support 7 is not limited to having a fork shape having thearms 7b. For example, theworkpiece support 7 may be one that can be positioned under the workpiece W, such as one where multiple rod-shaped members are raised from a lower portion of the machining region R1. Also, thelaser machine 1 need not include theworkpiece support 7. - Next, the
elevator 2 will be described. Theelevator 2 is able to position the workpiece W in the machining region R1 by raising and lowering thepalette 6 with the workpiece W placed thereon. For example, theelevator 2 includes multiple elevators that support multiple portions of thepalette 6 and raise and lower thepalette 6. For example,elevators palette 6. By disposing theelevators palette 6 can be raised and lowered stably. As shown inFIG. 2 , theelevators 2a to 2d are disposed so as to protrude from the positive and negative X-sides of thepalette 6. Theelevators 2a to 2d each include arod 18 and areceiver 19. -
FIG. 3 includes perspective views showing an example of theelevator 2, in whichFIG. 3(A) shows a state in which therod 18 is lowered; andFIG. 3(B) shows a state in which therod 18 is raised. While theelevator 2a is shown inFIG. 3 , theother elevators 2b to 2d also have similar configurations. As shown inFIG. 3 , therod 18 of theelevator 2a is disposed on theframe 3d, and thereceiver 19 thereof is disposed on thepalette 6. Thereceiver 19 is disposed so as to correspond to the position of therod 18. It is also disposed in the position that receives the front end of therod 18 when therod 18 is raised. - The
rod 18 is disposed on thebody frame 3 so as to be vertically movable. Therod 18 is moved vertically by activating adriver 20 disposed in theframe 3d. Thedriver 20 is, for example, an air cylinder or hydraulic cylinder, and therod 18 may be a piston rod. Thedriver 20 may also be a ball screw mechanism using an electric motor, and therod 18 may be a ball screw. Therod 18 and thedriver 20 may be disposed away from each other. For example, the following configuration may be used: thedriver 20 is disposed away from therod 18; and therod 18 is be moved by thedriver 20 through a driving force transmitter. - The
front end 18a of therod 18 is in the shape of a truncated cone having a rounded upper end. The front end of therod 18 is formed so as to correspond to the shape of thereceiver 19. Note that thefront end 18a of therod 18 need not be in the shape of a truncated cone and may be in the shape of, for example, a cone having a sharp front end or a sphere having a rounded front end. - The
receiver 19 is disposed on thepalette 6 and disposed in the position in which thefront end 18a of therod 18 is inserted into thereceiver 19. As shown inFIG. 3 , thereceiver 19 has a truncatedconical recess 19a into which thefront end 18a of therod 18 is inserted. As described above, the shape of therecess 19a is set so as to correspond to the shape of thefront end 18a of therod 18 and may be a cone or sphere. Also, therecess 19a may have a shape different from thefront end 18a as long as thefront end 18a of therod 18 can be inserted thereinto. - The
receiver 19 includes an L-shapedbracket 19b and alower member 19c mounted on a lower portion of thebracket 19b. Thelower member 19c has therecess 19a in the lower surface thereof. Thebracket 19b is fastened to a side surface of thebase plate 11 of thepalette 6 by afastening member 22, such as a bolt. Thus, thebracket 19b can be mounted on thebase plate 11 of the existingpalette 6. Thelower member 19c is fastened to thebracket 19b by afastening member 21, such as a bolt. Note that thelower member 19c can be moved vertically relative to thebracket 19b by a predetermined amount by loosening thefastening member 21. Thus, it is possible to adjust the position of therecess 19a relative to thefront end 18a of therod 18. Thus, for example, ifmultiple palettes 6 are used, it is possible to match the position of therecess 19a of eachpalette 6 to the position of thefront end 18a of therod 18. That is, it is possible to realize the operation of thelaser machine 1 usingmultiple palettes 6. - Note that the
receiver 19 need not include thebracket 19b and thelower member 19c and may be a single member. Also, thereceiver 19 may be disposed, for example, on the back surface of thebase plate 11 of thepalette 6. Also, a structure similar to therecess 19a may be formed in a portion of the back surface of thebase plate 11. Instead of making the position of therecess 19a of thereceiver 19 adjustable, the position of therod 18 on thebody frame 3 may be made horizontally adjustable. - As shown in
FIG. 3(A) , therod 18 is lowered in a state in which thedriver 20 is not activated. In this state, the movement of thepalette 6 is restricted by thestopper 16, and thepalette 6 is placed on theframe 3d. By activating thedriver 20 in this state to raise therod 18, thefront end 18a of therod 18 is inserted into therecess 19a of thereceiver 19, as shown inFIG. 3(B) . By further raising therod 18, the base plate 11 (palette 6) with the workpiece W placed thereon is raised. - The position to which the
palette 6 is raised is, for example, the position in which the workpiece W is located in the machining region R1 (seeFIG. 2 ). The position to which thepalette 6 is raised may be set on the basis of the length by which therod 18 is elevated by thedriver 20, or may be set by detecting the height of thepalette 6 or workpiece W using, for example, an optical sensor and stopping raising therod 18. -
FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) are drawings showing an example of the operation of therod 18 and thereceiver 19.FIG. 4 includes drawings showing an example of the operation of therod 18 and thereceiver 19, in whichFIG. 4(A) is a drawing showing a state in which therod 18 is lowered;FIG. 4(B) is a drawing showing a state in which therod 18 is raised and is in contact with therecess 19a; andFIG. 4(C) is a drawing showing a state in which therod 18 is inserted in therecess 19a. Although thepalette 6 travels along therails 15 and the position thereof relative to thebody frame 3 is kept by thestopper 16, the position may be displaced to some extent. When the position of thepalette 6 is displaced, the central axis AX1 of thefront end 18a of therod 18 and the central axis AX2 of therecess 19a become non-coaxial, as shown inFIG. 4(A) . - By raising the
rod 18 in this state, thefront end 18a of therod 18 contacts the wall surface of therecess 19a, as shown inFIG. 4(B) ; and by further raising therod 18, the wall surface of therecess 19a is pressed by thefront end 18a of therod 18. Thus, therecess 19a moves in the positive Y-direction, and the central axis AX2 of therecess 19a approaches the central axis AX1 of thefront end 18a. Thefront end 18a is in the shape of a truncated cone, and therecess 19a is also in the shape of a truncated cone. Accordingly, once a portion of thefront end 18a contacts the wall surface of therecess 19a, therecess 19a can be easily moved as therod 18 is raised. Due to this movement of therecess 19a in the positive Y-direction, thepalette 6 is also moved in the positive Y-direction. - Then, as shown in
FIG. 4(C) , therecess 19a is further moved in the positive Y-direction with thefront end 18a of therod 18 inserted in therecess 19a. In this state, the central axis AX2 of therecess 19a is aligned with the central axis AX1 of thefront end 18a. Thus, thepalette 6 is positioned in a predetermined horizontal position. The operation shown inFIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) is performed with thepalette 6 placed on thebody frame 3. By further raising therod 18 with thepalette 6 positioned horizontally as described above, thepalette 6 can be raised. The workpiece W placed on thepalette 6 can be accurately located in the machining region R1. - The
elevators 2a to 2d are disposed so as to correspond to the four portions of the palette 6 (seeFIG. 2 ), and thefront end 18a of therod 18 is inserted in therecess 19a in each of theelevators 2a to 2d. Thus, even if thepalette 6 is raised by the fourrods 18, thelaser machine 1 is able to prevent displacement or the like of thepalette 6 and to raise thepalette 6 stably. Note that theelevators 2a to 2d are controlled by a controller (not shown) so that the elevators raise and lower thepalette 6 synchronously. For example, theelevators 2a to 2d are controlled by the controller so that the height (position) of therod 18, the speed at which therod 18 is raised and lowered, or the like is synchronized between theelevators 2a to 2d and thus the workpiece W placed on thepalette 6 is raised while being kept horizontal. - All the four elevators, 2a to 2d, need not include the
rod 18 and thereceiver 19 that operate as shown inFIG. 4 , and at least one elevator, such as theelevator 2a, may include those elements. If two elevators (e.g., theelevators palette 6 relative to thebody frame 3 in the X-and Y-directions, as well as in the rotational direction around the Z-direction. In this case, the other elevators (e.g., theelevators rod 18 simply pushes up thereceiver 19. This eliminates the need to form thefront end 18a of therod 18 and therecess 19a of the receiver into truncated conical shapes or the like. - Next, a laser machining method of the present embodiment will be described on the basis of the operation of the
laser machine 1 with reference to the drawings. However, the following description is only illustrative and does not limit the operation of thelaser machine 1 nor the laser machining method.FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the laser machining method of the present embodiment.FIGS. 6 to 8 are drawings showing the operation of thelaser machine 1. The description will be made with reference toFIG. 5 and, when necessary,FIGS. 6 to 8 . While theelevators FIGS. 6 to 8 , theelevators elevator 2. - First, the laser machining method of the present embodiment positions the
palette 6 horizontally in step S1 shown inFIG. 5 . For example, first, as shown inFIG. 6(A) , thepalette 6 with the workpiece W placed on the upper ends 12a of thesupport plates 12 thereof travels from the external position P2 (seeFIG. 2 ) into thebody frame 3. At this time, thepalette 6 travels in the negative X-direction relative to thebody frame 3 while thewheels 13 thereof are guided by therails 15. Then, as shown inFIG. 6(B) , the movement of thepalette 6 in the X-direction is restricted by thestopper 16, and thepalette 6 is located in the position P1 below the machining region R1. Then, as shown inFIG. 6(C) , therod 18 of theelevator 2 is raised, and thefront end 18a of therod 18 is inserted into therecess 19a of thereceiver 19 on thepalette 6. When therod 18 is raised, thefront end 18a contacts the wall surface of therecess 19a and thus thepalette 6 is positioned horizontally, as described above with reference toFIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) . - Then, in step S2 shown in
FIG. 5 , thepalette 6 having the workpiece W placed thereon is raised. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 7(A) , theelevator 2 raises the horizontally positionedpalette 6 by further raising therod 18 in the state shown inFIG. 6(C) . At this time, theelevator 2 raises thepalette 6 such that the workpiece W placed on thepalette 6 is located in the machining region R1. Note that the height of the workpiece W (the height of the palette 6) may be detected using any type of sensor or the like and theelevator 2 may be controlled so that the workpiece W is located in the machining region R1. - Then, in step S3 shown in
FIG. 5 , the workpiece W placed on thepalette 6 is laser-machined. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 7(B) , thelaser head 4 machines the workpiece W located in the machining region R1 by moving relative to the workpiece W while applying laser light to the workpiece W. At this time, the workpiece W may be laser-machined, for example, with ends thereof held by workpiece holders or the like. Also, thelaser head 4 need not be moved relative to the workpiece W. For example, the workpiece W may be moved relative to thelaser head 4, or both thelaser head 4 and workpiece W may be moved. - Then, in step S4 shown in
FIG. 5 , theworkpiece support 7 is inserted or located under the workpiece W. Specifically, when thelaser head 4 completes the machining of the workpiece W, theworkpiece support 7 moves in the positive Y-direction from the standby region R2 (seeFIG. 2 ) and thus thearms 7b of theworkpiece support 7 are inserted between thesupport plates 12 of thepalette 6 under the workpiece W, as shown inFIG. 7(C) . Note that thearms 7b are inserted between thesupport plates 12 through the opening 14 (seeFIG. 1 ) of thebody frame 3. - Then, in step S5 shown in
FIG. 5 , thepalette 6 is lowered so that the workpiece W is supported by theworkpiece support 7. As shown inFIG. 8(A) , theelevator 2 lowers therod 18 and thus lowers thepalette 6. When thepalette 6 is lowered, the workpiece W placed on the upper ends 12a of thesupport plates 12 of thepalette 6 is transferred to thearms 7b of theworkpiece support 7. - Then, in step S6 shown in
FIG. 5 , the workpiece W transferred to theworkpiece support 7 is carried to an external predetermined position, such as the standby region R2 (seeFIG. 2 ), by a carrying apparatus (not shown). Then, the workpiece W is carried from the standby region R2 to another storage place or the like, or the assortment of products in the workpiece W, or the like is performed in the standby region R2. After the workpiece W is carried out of thebody frame 3, theworkpiece support 7 moves in the negative Y-direction and returns to the standby region R2 (seeFIG. 2 ). - Then, as shown in
FIG. 8(B) , thepalette 6, from which the workpiece W has been transferred, travels relative to thebody frame 3 in the positive X-direction. For example, thepalette 6 moves to the position P2 (seeFIG. 2 ), which is outside thebody frame 3, and waits and then a new workpiece W is placed thereon. By repeating the above operation, multiple workpieces W are continuously machined. - As described above, according to the
laser machine 1 and the laser machining method of the present embodiment, theworkpiece support 7 is inserted under the workpiece W placed on thepalette 6 and then moved vertically relative to thepalette 6. Thus, the workpiece W can be easily transferred from thepalette 6 to theworkpiece support 7. Also, theelevator 2 raises thepalette 6 so that the workpiece W is located higher than thearms 7b of theworkpiece support 7; thearms 7b are inserted; and then theelevator 2 lowers thepalette 6. By only performing such simple operation, the workpiece W can be easily transferred from thepalette 6 to theworkpiece support 7. - Also, even if portions of the workpiece W are melted and welded to the
support plates 12 during laser machining, the workpiece W can be reliably transferred to theworkpiece support 7 while removing the weld, by moving thepalette 6 and theworkpiece support 7 vertically relative to each other. Also, even if thesupport plates 12 of thepalette 6 are melted due to the application of laser light and thus the height at which the workpiece W is placed is changed, the workpiece W can be reliably located at the height of the machining region R1 by changing the amount by which thepalette 6 is raised by theelevator 2. - Next, a planar-
member machining system 100 of the present embodiment will be described.FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the planar-member machining system 100. The planar-member machining system 100 includes theabove laser machine 1, a carryingapparatus 31, and asecond machine 32. The planar-member machining system 100 laser-machines a workpiece W using thelaser machine 1 and forms the resulting workpiece using thesecond machine 32. Note that thelaser machine 1 is similar to theabove laser machine 1. - The carrying
apparatus 31 is able to carry the workpiece W located in the machining region R1 of thelaser machine 1. The carryingapparatus 31 is also able to locate the workpiece W in a second machining region R3 of thesecond machine 32 by carrying the workpiece W in the Y-direction. The carryingapparatus 31 includes acarriage 31a, aplate 31b, andworkpiece holders 31c. - The
carriage 31a is formed such that it can be moved along a pair ofguides 34 in the Y-direction by a driver (not shown). The pair ofguides 34 are disposed along the Y-direction with a fixed table 40 therebetween in the X-direction. The driver is, for example, a ball screw mechanism or linear motor. Theplate 31b is formed so as to be rectangular when seen from above and is fixed to the positive Y-side side surface of thecarriage 31a. The X-direction length of theplate 31b is set so as to correspond to the X-direction length of the workpiece W. The Y-direction length of theplate 31b is set to a length such that theworkpiece holders 31c are able to grasp the workpiece W supported by thepalette 6 when thecarriage 31a approaches the negative Y-side of anopening 38 of the second machine 32 (to be discussed later). - The
workpiece holders 31c are disposed in three positions on the positive Y-side of theplate 31b so as to protrude in the positive Y-direction and to be spaced from each other in the X-direction. Theworkpiece holders 31c are driven by a driver (not shown) and configured to be able to grasp or release an end of the workpiece W. Note that the number of theworkpiece holders 31c is any number. Instead of grasping the workpiece W, theworkpiece holders 31c may adsorb portions of the workpiece W. - The
second machine 32 has the second machining region R3 set midway in the course through which the carryingapparatus 31 carries the workpiece W from thepalette 6. Thesecond machine 32 includes amachining tool 36 that machines the workpiece W, and aframe 37. Themachining tool 36 is, for example, a press tool or tap tool. Thesecond machine 32 forms or taps a predetermined portion of the workpiece W using themachining tool 36. Themachining tool 36 is disposed on theframe 37 so as to be movable in the X-direction relative to theframe 37. Theframe 37 is provided with theopening 38. Theopening 38 is formed such that the workpiece W, theworkpiece support 7, and a part of the carryingapparatus 31 is able to pass therethrough. The carryingapparatus 31 carries the workpiece W between thelaser machine 1 and thesecond machine 32 through theopening 14 of thelaser machine 1 and theopening 38 of thesecond machine 32. The second machining region R3 is located between the machining region R1 and the standby region R2. In the second machining region R3, the workpiece W is carried in the Y-direction by the carryingapparatus 31, and themachining tool 36 moves in the X-direction. Thus, themachining tool 36 can be positioned over any position of the workpiece W. - The planar-
member machining system 100 also includes the fixed table 40 to support the workpiece W. The fixed table 40 is disposed in the standby region R2 for theworkpiece support 7 on the negative Y-side of thesecond machine 32. The fixed table 40 includes abase 40a extending in the X-direction andmultiple rods 40b extending in the positive Y-direction from thebase 40a. The upper surfaces of therods 40b support the workpiece. Brushes or free ball bearings (where balls are able to roll in all directions) (not shown) are disposed at predetermined intervals on the upper surfaces of therods 40b so that damage to the lower surface of the workpiece W is avoided. The carryingapparatus 31 is disposed over the fixed table 40. Thus, the space over the fixed table 40 can be utilized, and the entire system can be made compact. - The planar-
member machining system 100 also includes a controller (not shown). The controller includes a central processing unit (CPU) and storage devices, such as a memory and a hard disk. The storage devices store programs or the like required to perform various types of control. The controller controls, for example, the position and laser output of thelaser head 4 of thelaser machine 1, the drive of theworkpiece support 7, the drive of the carryingapparatus 31, and the operation of thesecond machine 32. - Next, a planar-member machining method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the planar-member machining method of the present embodiment. However, the following description is only illustrative and does not limit the operation of the planar-member machining system 100 and the planar-member machining method.FIGS. 11 and12 are drawings showing the operation of the planar-member machining system 100. The description will be made with reference toFIG. 10 and, when necessary,FIGS. 11 and12 . Steps S1 to S5 inFIG. 10 are similar to those shown inFIG. 5 and therefore the description thereof will be simplified. - First, in step S1 shown in
FIG. 10 , thepalette 6 having the workpiece W placed thereon is positioned horizontally. As shown inFIG. 11(A) , as in theFIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) , thepalette 6 is carried from the outside into thelaser machine 1. Then, in step S2 shown inFIG. 10 , thepalette 6 is raised. As shown inFIG. 11(B) , as inFIGS. 6(C) and7(A) , theelevator 2 raises thepalette 6 so that the workpiece W is located in the machining region R1. Then, in step S3 shown inFIG. 10 , the workpiece W is laser-machined. At this time, as shown inFIG. 11(C) , the carryingapparatus 31 moves in the positive Y-direction and grasps the end of the workpiece W using theworkpiece holders 31c. Thus, displacement of the workpiece W can be prevented during laser machining. Note that the workpiece W need not be grasped using theworkpiece holders 31c during laser machining. As inFIG. 7(B) , thelaser machine 1 machines the workpiece W by applying laser light to the workpiece W while moving thelaser head 4 relative to the workpiece W. - Then, in step S4 shown in
FIG. 10 , theworkpiece support 7 is inserted under the workpiece W. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 12(A) , as inFIG. 7(C) , theworkpiece support 7 moves in the positive Y-direction from the standby region R2 (seeFIG. 9 ) and is inserted under the workpiece W. Then, in step S5 shown inFIG. 10 , thepalette 6 is lowered so that the workpiece W is supported by theworkpiece support 7. As shown inFIG. 12(B) , as inFIG. 8(A) , theelevator 2 lowers therod 18 and thus lowers thepalette 6. Thus, the workpiece W can be easily transferred from thepalette 6 to theworkpiece support 7. As described above, even if portions of the workpiece W are melted and welded to thesupport plates 12 during laser machining, it is possible to transfer the workpiece W to theworkpiece support 7 while removing the welds. - Then, in step S6 shown in
FIG. 10 , the carryingapparatus 31 carries the workpiece W placed on thepalette 6. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 12(C) , the carryingapparatus 31 carries the workpiece W in the negative Y-direction. At this time, as with the fixed table 40, theworkpiece support 7 serves as a table to support the workpiece W. The carryingapparatus 31 positions a predetermined portion of the workpiece W in the second machining region R3 set midway in the course through which it carries the workpiece W. Then, in step S7 shown inFIG. 10 , thesecond machine 32 forms or taps the predetermined portion of the workpiece W positioned in the second machining region R3 using themachining tool 36. - Then, in step S8 shown in
FIG. 10 , the workpiece W is carried to an external predetermined position (e.g., the standby region R2 shown inFIG. 9 ) by the carryingapparatus 31. Then, the workpiece W is carried from the standby region R2 to, for example, another storage place or the like, or assortment of products in the workpiece W, or the like is performed in the standby region R2. After the workpiece W is carried out of thebody frame 3, theworkpiece support 7 moves in the negative Y-direction and returns to the standby region R2 (seeFIG. 9 ). Note that in step S8 shown inFIG. 10 , the carryingapparatus 31 may carry the workpiece W to the machining region R1 and the workpiece W may be laser-machined again. - As seen above, according to the planar-
member machining system 100 and the planar-member machining method of the present embodiment, the workpiece W can be transferred to theworkpiece support 7 easily and reliably by raising and lowering thepalette 6. Also, there is no need to provide a complicated mechanism to raise and lower theworkpiece support 7 and thus the apparatus cost can be reduced. Also, the workpiece W is easily transferred to theworkpiece support 7 and thus can be efficiently carried by the carryingapparatus 31. As a result, the workpiece W can be efficiently carried to thesecond machine 32 and positioned there. - While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. While, in the embodiments, the
elevators 2a to 2d are disposed in the four positions, other configurations may be used. For example,elevators 2 may be disposed in one to three positions or five or more positions. Ifelevators 2 are disposed in one or two positions, a guide that vertically guides a portion of thepalette 6 may be disposed in thebody frame 3 so that the one or twoelevators 2 are able to raise and lower thepalette 6 in a well-balanced manner. The following configuration may also be used: one or twoelevators 2 raise and lower a planar member; and thepalette 6 is placed on the planar member and then raised and lowered. - While, in the embodiments, the
rod 18 of theelevator 2 is disposed on thebody frame 3 and thereceiver 19 is disposed on thepalette 6, other configurations may be used. For example, therod 18 may be disposed on thepalette 6, and thereceiver 19 may be disposed on thebody frame 3. Also, with respect to some of theelevators 2a to 2d, therod 18 may be disposed on thepalette 6, and thereceiver 19 may be disposed on thebody frame 3. - While, in the embodiments, the workpiece W supported by the
workpiece support 7 is carried out of thebody frame 3 by the carryingapparatus 31, other configurations may be used. For example, the laser-machined workpiece W may be transferred to theworkpiece support 7 and then carried out of thebody frame 3. Or, the machined workpiece W placed on thepalette 6 may be carried out of thebody frame 3. In this case, the machined workpiece W placed on thepalette 6 may be carried out of thebody frame 3 after inserting thearms 7b of theworkpiece support 7 under the workpiece W and moving thepalette 6 and theworkpiece support 7 vertically relative to each other to remove the welds between the workpiece W and thesupport plates 12. - While, in the embodiments, the workpiece W is transferred to the
workpiece support 7 by lowering thepalette 6, other configurations may be used. For example, the workpiece W may be transferred by raising theworkpiece support 7 relative to thepalette 6. Or, the workpiece W may be transferred by lowering thepalette 6 and simultaneously raising theworkpiece support 7. -
- R1··· machining region
- R3··· second machining region
- W··· workpiece
- 1··· laser machine
- 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d···elevator
- 3 ···body frame
- 4 ···laser head
- 6··· palette (workpiece rack)
- 7··· workpiece support
- 18 ··· rod
- 18a ··· front end
- 19···receiver
- 19a ··· recess
- 31 ··· carrying apparatus
- 32 ··· second machine
- 36··· machining tool
- 100···planar-member machining system
Claims (10)
- A laser machine comprising:a laser head that machines a planar workpiece located in a machining region while moving relative to the workpiece;a workpiece rack that is able to travel with the workpiece placed thereon; andan elevator that is able to locate the workpiece in the machining region by raising and lowering the workpiece rack with the workpiece placed thereon.
- The laser machine of Claim 1, wherein the machining region is set in a position to which the workpiece rack is raised by the elevator.
- The laser machine of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the workpiece rack is able to travel relative to a body frame, and
the elevator includes:a rod that is disposed on one of the workpiece rack and the body frame and driven vertically; anda receiver that is disposed on the other of the workpiece rack and the body frame and receives a front end of the rod. - The laser machine of Claim 3, wherein the front end of the rod has a shape of a cone, a truncated cone, or a sphere, and
the receiver has a conical, truncated conical, or spherical recess into which the front end of the rod is inserted. - The laser machine of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the elevator includes a plurality of elevators that support a plurality of portions of the workpiece rack and raise and lower the workpiece rack.
- The laser machine of any one of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the receiver or the rod on the workpiece rack is adjustable horizontally so as to correspond to the rod or the receiver on the body frame.
- A planar-member machining system comprising:the laser machine of any one of Claims 1 to 6;a carrying apparatus that is able to carry the workpiece located on the laser machine; anda second machine that machines the workpiece in a second machining region set midway in a course through which the carrying apparatus carries the workpiece from the laser machine, the second machine including a machining tool.
- A laser machining method comprising:raising a workpiece rack with a workpiece placed thereon and laser-machining the workpiece;inserting or locating a workpiece support under the workpiece; andlowering the workpiece rack so that the workpiece is supported by the workpiece support.
- The laser machining method of Claim 8, comprising positioning the workpiece rack horizontally relative to the body frame in raising the workpiece rack.
- A planar-member machining method comprising:machining a planar workpiece placed on a workpiece rack while moving a laser head relative to the workpiece;carrying the workpiece placed on the workpiece rack; andmachining the workpiece using a machining tool in a second machining region set midway in a course through which the workpiece is carried from the workpiece rack, whereinthe planar-member machining method comprises the laser machining method of Claim 9 or 9.
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PCT/JP2016/061877 WO2017006606A1 (en) | 2015-07-03 | 2016-04-13 | Laser processing machine, laser processing method, board material processing system, and board material processing method |
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EP (1) | EP3318363B1 (en) |
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DE102015109740A1 (en) * | 2015-06-18 | 2016-12-22 | Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen Gmbh + Co. Kg | Machine for separating processing of plate-shaped materials |
TR201713106A2 (en) * | 2017-09-06 | 2019-03-21 | Ermaksan Makina Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi | LASER SHEET PROCESSING MACHINE WITH BODY STRUCTURE ENSURING FIELD EFFICIENCY |
CN108683110B (en) * | 2018-04-25 | 2019-08-06 | 国网山东省电力公司东营供电公司 | Low-voltage switch box body assembles correcting device |
JP6967487B2 (en) * | 2018-05-24 | 2021-11-17 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Laser processing machine |
JP7379151B2 (en) * | 2019-04-12 | 2023-11-14 | Thk株式会社 | Multi-product pallet equipment, control system for multi-product pallet equipment |
CN110900056A (en) * | 2019-11-23 | 2020-03-24 | 利辛县江淮扬天汽车有限公司 | Welding device for box plate of dump truck |
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CN107708916A (en) | 2018-02-16 |
EP3318363B1 (en) | 2024-02-07 |
WO2017006606A1 (en) | 2017-01-12 |
JP6583415B2 (en) | 2019-10-02 |
CN107708916B (en) | 2019-10-01 |
US20180193958A1 (en) | 2018-07-12 |
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